View Full Version : Is it worth to get the Protection Pack?


thklam
09-02-2003, 01:20 PM
I heard it from friends, it is not worth to get the protection pack because normally, your new car will have those protaction already( like protect from bird shit), those package is just allow you to replace it once it gone out. Also they said it is too expensive because Mazda will earn the most from this stuff, that's why the dealer always force you to get this stuff.

Gord96BRG
09-02-2003, 01:44 PM
There is no "the" Protection Pack, and Mazda doesn't earn a dime from any protection packs - they are strictly a dealer item, unrelated in any way to Mazda. Different dealers offer different packages.

They are also worth very little - a good coat of NuFinish on the paint, a can or two of Scotchgard on the carpet, and you're done with as good or better protection for much less cost. The undercoating stuff is worthless or worse (some undercoating products harden and can trap moisture behind itself, leading to rust developing), and makes under-car maintenance more of a nuisance. Mostly, the typical Protection Pack is about 95% pure profit for the dealer (again, not for Mazda), and is a waste of money.

Regards,
Gordon

aussie77
09-02-2003, 03:02 PM
Depends on the package really. I got my 8 in black, so the paint was really a big issue. So, I paid $99 for the dealer's paint protection package, but it comes with a 5 year guarantee/warranty. If my black paint fades or stains at all in the next 5 years, they will have to either fix it or repaint the whole car at no cost to me :)

Gord96BRG
09-02-2003, 03:21 PM
Originally posted by aussie77
So, I paid $99 for the dealer's paint protection package, but it comes with a 5 year guarantee/warranty. If my black paint fades or stains at all in the next 5 years, they will have to either fix it or repaint the whole car at no cost to me :)

Did you read the fine print? Typically, those warranties require that you bring the car in once per year for a re-application - for which they will charge you. If you don't get the required re-application, then their "warranty" is void. This is the same as a lot of the rust-proofing warranties - no annual inspection and re-application, no warranty. I'm not saying that's the case with yours, but it is with many of them.

Regards,
Gordon

aussie77
09-02-2003, 04:53 PM
Thanks for the heads up Gordon. I'll be checking that out first thing when I get home.

Aggro_Al
09-03-2003, 02:07 AM
Don't get any dealer paint or interior protection package. There are so many reasons not to. I wish I had more time to elaborate. I'll update this at a later time.

Squidward
09-03-2003, 02:43 AM
Trust me on this, the "protection package" is hogwash...

You will get the exact same results when you clean your car every two weeks, assuming you use high quality products like Pennzoil TotalCare protectant (my little plug for my favorite car maintenance tool).

aussie77
09-03-2003, 08:48 AM
Checked the warranty on my 'protection', making sure I read the fine print twice. I don't have to have it reapplied every year. No catches. Obviously it doesn't cover paint chips or scratches, but paint damage (fading due to sun exposure, bird crap, chemicals etc). are included.

That said, most dealer-sold 'packages' are absolute bull.. be it the upholstery protection, the beachfront land in nebraska...

boowana
09-03-2003, 09:58 AM
Any, and I mean ANY... Dealer apearance or protection package is nothing more than a huge magin maker for dealers and is totally unnecessary. Save your money and buy some good wax...;)

OmegaBob
09-03-2003, 11:52 PM
When I was purchasing my old car (2k Celica GT-S), a second sales rep came out to sell me their crap. Of course, I turned ALL of them down.

The best part was when she pulled out the samples when describing the dealer's 'paint protection" package. She gave me the line: "Our process helps to add nutrients to the paint and helps the paint to breathe." After laughing at her for a few seconds I said: "I wasn't aware that the paint was 'alive' " and then extolled the wonders of Zaino to her. Let's just say that she wasn't too happy with me....

Donny Boy
09-06-2003, 10:32 AM
No, a thousand times NO!!!